1. What in the world is the “BIG M?”

2. Mnenomic devices? A mnemonic device (pronounced "neh-mon-ik") is a memory aid. Mnemonics are often verbal, something such as a very short poem or a special word used to help a person remember something, particularly lists. They are based on the principle that the human mind more easily remembers spatial, personal, surprising, sexual or humorous or otherwise meaningful information than arbitrary sequences. memory KPCOFGS... ?

3. The “BIG M” is not about the “M”

4. 4-H: The American Idea Creating Greater Opportunity for Youth Learning By Doing Leading By Example Access to 105 State Land-Grant Universities 7 Million Youth partnering with 3,500 professional educators and 640,000 volunteer leaders Over 100 Years of Reaching Youth

5. Approaches to 4-H Youth Development PREVENTION YOUTH DEVELOPMENT EDUCATION Focus: Risks Focus: Skills & KnowledgeFocus: Developmental Needs Target: Social Norms Target: Individual LearnersTarget: Opportunities for Youth Goal: Fewer Problems Goal: Competency in knowledge or skillGoal: Maturity

6. Understanding the Different Approaches Developed by Cathann A. Kress, Ph.D. EDUCATION YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FOCUS

7. Essential Elements of 4-H Belonging 1. Positive Relationship with a caring adult 2. An inclusive environment 3. A safe environment Mastery 4. Engagement in Learning 5. Opportunity for Mastery Independence 6. Opportunity to see oneself as an active participant in the future 7. Opportunity for self-determination Generosity 8. Opportunity to value and practice service for others

8. All Youth will find ways to: 1) Meet their basic needs 2) Build skills and values 3) Use their skills, talents, energies and time in ways that make them feel good and powerful.

9. I pledge my heart to greater loyalty… Current research emphasizes the importance for youth to have opportunities for long-term consistent relationships with adults other than parents. This research suggests that belonging may be the single most powerful positive ingredient we can add into the lives of youth. BELONGING

10. I pledge my head to clearer thinking… Youth need to know that they are able to Influence people and events through decision-making and action. INDEPENDENCE

11. I pledge my hands to larger service… Youth need to feel their lives have meaning and purpose. By participating in 4-H community service and citizenship activities, youth can connect to communities and learn to give back to others. GENEROSITY

12. I pledge my health to better living… In order to develop self-confidence youth need to feel and believe they are capable and they must experience success at solving problems and meeting challenges. MASTERY

14. Essential Elements of 4-H Youth Development

16. Kirk A. Astroth, Director Arizona 4-H Youth Development1 Elements of Vibrant Youth Groups

17. Research Question What accounts for the differences between 4-H clubs within the same area, county or state?

18. Vibrancy Pulsating with life, vigor and activity Foster a sense of personal influence over life's events rather than submission to the will and whims of others Acceptance and respect for youth Inner confidence Believe in themselves and the future Authentic

19. #1--Focus on Weaning, Not Winning High expectations Ownership by young people Autonomy and self-determination Being our best, not beating the rest

20. #2--Firm, Yet Flexible Able to change how they do things, but not their core purpose Clear standards and group norms Consistency and reliability Balance between rigidity and chaos

21. #3--Work Hard, Play Hard Sense of purpose Fun, learning, growth Group outings Community service Develop a positive work ethic

22. #4 - Empower Rather than Embalm Enable youth to lead Develop responsibility and decision-making skills Provide opportunities to critically text, explore and discuss ideas in safe environments

23. #5--Communicate and Listen Youth are listened to, respected, and input valued Involve members in discussions and decisions Atmosphere is characterized by coaching, support

24. #6--Balance between Chaos and Rigidity Vibrant groups as “chaordic”—balance between chaos and too much order Can adapt to changes and move on Like families that need balance—not enmeshed nor permissive

25. #7—Affirm and Support One Another Sense of belonging, group cohesiveness Defined sense of “self” and group membership Take pride in and celebrate the accomplishments of all “Not to be the best but do our best”

26. #8—Value and Practice Service to Others Community service is truly valued Groups feel an obligation to improve their own community Part of the group’s fundamental purpose

27. #9--Mentoring Intentional about mentoring to socialize new members Provide a support structure Indoctrinated into the values, customs and traditions of the club

28. #10—Take Time for Training Set aside time to train youth for roles Adults see their role as helping with development, not quick solutions Help youth grow into positions of leadership and responsibility

29. #11--Synergy All elements must be present The whole is greater than the sum of the individual parts The process is more important than the outcomes “Youth acquire a sense of significance from doing significant things, from being active participants in their own education.” --Alfie Kohn

30. Now it’s your turn… REFLECT & SHARE  What surprised you?  What seemed to be “common sense”? GENERALIZE  How would you use these ideas in your 4-H work in your county or reservation?  What similarities and parallels exist between vibrancy and the essential elements? APPLY  How is this information useful to you?

31. SUMMARY Youth programs that involve youth as key partners in planning, implementation and evaluation are stronger than programs that see youth as “clients” or “recipients” Adult attitudes and perceptions of youth capabilities are key in setting group climate (stop global whining) Adult leadership styles must vary with age and circumstances Eleven elements of vibrancy help add to our knowledge of “best practices” in positive youth development

32. Empowerment “If you are here to help me, then you are wasting your time. But if you are here because your liberation is bound up in mine, then let’s begin together.” --Lilly Walker an Australian Aborigine

33. Resources Astroth, Kirk A. (1996). Welcome to the Club: Education Where the Bell Never Rings. Unpublished doctoral dissertation. Bozeman, MT: Montana State University. Astroth, Kirk A. (1998). "Beyond Resiliency: Fostering Vibrancy in Youth Groups," New Designs for Youth Development, 13(4): 5-11. Walker, J., Dunham, T. and Snyder, E. (1998). Clubs and Groups in the Social Education of Young People. The Center. Minneapolis, MN: University of Minnesota. Online at: http://www.fourh.umn.edu/resources/center/PDF/Ce nter-Story4.pdf